A Chinese envoy on Monday called for de-escalation of tension in Yemen and the return to diplomacy for a political solution.
The many recent developments concerning the situation in Yemen have brought new and complex dimensions to the search for a political solution, said Wu Haitao, China's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations.
"China condemns the attack on Saudi oil refinery facilities, and is against any attacks on civilians and civilian facilities. We call on the parties to refrain from any action that will lead to further escalation of tension in the region, and to resort to political means such as peaceful negotiations to achieve regional peace and stability," Wu said.
China supports maintaining the sovereignty, independence, unity, and territorial integrity of Yemen. Yemeni parties should put the interests of their country and people first, maintain reason and restraint, resolve their differences through dialogue and negotiations, and restore stability and order in Yemen at an early date, Wu said.
China hopes that regional countries will continue to create favorable conditions for the Yemeni parties to ease tension and enhance mutual trust, he added.
The Stockholm Agreement is a major step toward a political solution to the question of Yemen. It is an important outcome of UN mediation, and should be fully implemented. The focus should be on the implementation of the Hodeidah agreement, Wu said.
The Yemeni people bear the brunt of the fighting in the country. The worsening humanitarian situation is indeed worrisome. The international community should increase its humanitarian support to the country, he said. "We hope that the donor countries will honor their commitments, and that relevant parties will ensure that the humanitarian supplies can reach all populations in all regions in need of such assistance."
Political solution is the only way out. The United Nations should continue to play its role as the main avenue of good offices in the political process. The Security Council should continue to maintain unity and provide political support. The Yemeni parties should return to the track of dialogue, and resolve the issue through political negotiations, said Wu.
China has, through bilateral and multilateral channels, provided assistance in the economic, education, and health fields, and will continue to do so to the best of its ability. China sincerely hopes that Yemen can restore peace, stability, and achieve development as soon as possible. China is ready to play a constructive role in that regard, he said.
